A live-action Toys "R" Us movie is currently in development, aiming to encapsulate the essence of childhood wonder and nostalgia. According to Variety, Story Kitchen, the creative force behind recent video game movie adaptations such as the Sonic the Hedgehog films, is spearheading this project. They intend to create a modern, fast-paced adventure that reflects the Toys 'R' Us brand's enduring relevance over its 70-year history in the toy industry.
Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg, co-founders of Story Kitchen, expressed their excitement about the project, stating, “Toys 'R' Us is a cultural touchstone that continues impacting the child in all of us today. As '80s kids who considered Toys 'R' Us one of the most magical places on Earth, we’re honored to partner to create a film that will capture the spirit of adventure, creativity and nostalgia that Toys 'R' Us represents.”
Somehow Toys 'R' Us returned. Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
The movie draws inspiration from films like Night at the Museum, Back to the Future, and Big, as well as toy-to-movie crossover franchises such as Barbie. While specific casting details remain under wraps, Johnson, Goldberg, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Elena Sandoval will produce for Story Kitchen, with Kim Miller Olko producing for Toys "R" Us Studios.
Miller Olko, president of Toys "R" Us Studios, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “As Toys "R" Us first film, this project is an exciting opportunity to bring the magic of our brand to the big screen. It will be a journey as boundless as play itself, evoking the electric sense of wonder that is the essence of Toys "R" Us. This story will capture the imagination, adventure and joy that has made Toys "R" Us a destination for kids of all ages.”
Story Kitchen has been busy with other projects as well, including a film adaptation of Square Enix's Just Cause, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto of Blue Beetle fame, and adaptations of Dredge: The Movie, Kingmakers, and Sleeping Dogs.
